ACTSV chapter 178

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Episode 178

Jingyeom, who’d been contemplating getting a little more sleep, felt something brush against his cheek and turned his head.

Even when he buried his face deeply into the blanket to avoid it, the gentle hand continued to stroke his face.

“Ah, why?”

“Why else? You’re cute. Go wash up if you’re awake. Let’s eat.”

“…Okay.”

Still drowsy but knowing he had to eat breakfast, Jingyeom moved sluggishly.

When he came downstairs after washing up, Jingyeom sat across from Soohyuk.

As he’d noticed before, breakfast wasn’t a simple meal.

Today, too, the table was covered with a lavish spread.

Though a simple meal would’ve been enough, he thought the amount was a bit much for just the two of them.

“When are you heading out today?”

“I took the day off.”

“…What?”

“What day is it today?”

At the unexpected question, Jingyeom calculated the day in his head.

He had finished his part-time job two days ago, rested yesterday, so today was…

“It’s Friday.”

“Exactly. A perfect day for a three-day break.”

“I thought you were busy these days?”

With Soohyuk’s calls coming less frequently, Jingyeom had naturally assumed it was because work had picked up.

Yesterday, Assistant Yang had mentioned in passing that there was still unfinished work at the office, which would keep things busy for a while.

Jingyeom wondered if Soohyuk should really be taking time off.

“Did he take a break because I’m here?”

“Work’s always busy. Try this, too. It’s delicious.”

Even while eating, Soohyuk kept piling side dishes onto Jingyeom’s bowl.

So many were added that his bowl was nearly overflowing.

“I’ll eat on my own, you eat yours.”

Soohyuk looked slightly uncomfortable as he reached across the table to give him food since the table was wider than usual.

As Jingyeom quietly continued eating, he glanced at Soohyuk.

Noticing he wasn’t in a shirt but a light sweater, he guessed it was because he had the day off.

With Soohyuk’s looks, he could pull off any outfit effortlessly, even this loose knit that would look messy on most people.

As he looked at Soohyuk’s attire, his eyes drifted slightly downward to where the sweater’s deep V-neck exposed a hint of his chest.

He quickly raised his gaze, only to catch Soohyuk’s knowing smile.

“If you’re that curious, just ask. Should I take it off?”

Soohyuk tugged at the V-neck, pulling it lower and exposing more of his chest, making Jingyeom duck his head.

‘Isn’t he embarrassed at all?’

How could he be so shameless?

Muttering to himself, Jingyeom kept on eating.

After finishing his meal, Jingyeom sent a message to Jinwoo, wishing him a good day at work and telling him to stay motivated.

As expected, instead of replying by text, Jinwoo called.

With a quick glance at Soohyuk, Jingyeom took the call as he walked over to the window.

“Hey, did you sleep well?”

– Not really. I couldn’t sleep without you here.

“What kind of answer is that? You should get good rest even when I’m not there. Don’t drink coffee today, just take a nice nap. Do well at work!”

– I don’t think I’ll sleep well today either, but I’ll try. I’ll call you at lunchtime.

“Okay, hang in there!”

Jingyeom let out a small sigh. How was he going to handle someone with this many worries?

“So tender.”

Startled by the sudden comment, Jingyeom turned to find Soohyuk standing close by, clicking his tongue in mild disapproval.

‘Even when they’re apart, they’re still like this.’

Jingyeom had dutifully fulfilled Soohyuk’s requests from the day before.

Even though he’d used up the three chances he was given in just a few days, he had no regrets.

After all, he couldn’t just wait forever to make use of those rare opportunities.

‘I should’ve just gone with his requests without extending the interest.’

As much as he knew there was no point in regretting it now, he couldn’t help but feel a little wistful.

Staying together longer wasn’t an option; both would have to return to work on Monday.

When he’d first heard Jingyeom was working part-time, Soohyuk had tried to stop him, asking why he needed to work, suggesting he take it easy until he was fully recovered.

The debt had transferred to him anyway, and he’d told Jingyeom he could just cover a monthly interest of a thousand won.

But Jingyeom insisted he wanted to work not for the money but because he wanted to. So Soohyuk didn’t press him further.

‘You have to let people do what they want.’

Still, he hoped he wasn’t pushing himself too hard.

If it came to it, he could revisit the café opening he’d put on hold to prepare for Jingyeom’s future.

He’d only need to hire a few more staff, and he could open it anytime if Jingyeom wanted it.

As Soohyuk stared at him intently, Jingyeom’s gaze shifted away, wondering what he’d done wrong.

‘Did I do something wrong?’

He hadn’t done anything, so maybe the issue was that call with Jinwoo.

“It’s your day off today, so what do you plan to do?”

“I’m planning to spend time with you.”

“Who said I’d keep you company?”

At that cheeky response, Soohyuk raised his brows, looking both amused and challenging.

Then, with a mischievous grin, he reached out and held Jingyeom’s cheeks.

His hands were big enough to easily cup Jingyeom’s face, making Jingyeom scrunch his eyebrows in protest.

“What’re you doing?!”

At his mumbled words, Soohyuk laughed.

“Well, you refused to spend time with me, so I’ll entertain myself. Do you want to spend the day like this, or would you rather watch a movie with me?”

“….”

“I’d be fine like this all day.”

There was something in Soohyuk’s gaze and smile that made Jingyeom nod quickly.

“Let’s watch! Watch a movie!”

And so they ended up on the living room sofa watching a movie together.

Even though it was one of his favorite superhero films, Jingyeom found it hard to concentrate. Noticing this, Soohyuk asked,

“Do you want to watch something else?”

“No, I like this. It’s fun.”

“How can you say it’s fun if you’re not even paying attention?”

“…You’re not watching the movie either, are you?”

“Right.”

At the immediate response, Jingyeom bit his lip, letting go quickly.

Honestly, just sitting in the same room with Soohyuk had his mind spinning, making it hard to focus on the film.

Plus, whenever he tried to put some space between them, Soohyuk would lean closer, forcing him to the very edge of the sofa.

Curling and uncurling his toes, he hoped that with the movie volume high, his racing heart wouldn’t be heard by Soohyuk.

Trying to steady his breathing, Jingyeom coughed, then pressed his hand against Soohyuk’s cheek, turning his face back to the TV.

“You said we’re watching a movie. Let’s watch. …Ah!”

Mid-sentence, Jingyeom let out a yelp as Soohyuk kissed his palm, which he’d been holding against his cheek.

Surprised, Jingyeom tried to pull his hand back, but Soohyuk held on tightly, making him flinch.

“Don’t get startled so easily. It’s not good for your heart.”

“You’re the one startling me!”

“You’ll get used to it.”

Jingyeom furrowed his brow, glaring at Soohyuk.

‘So shameless!’

He knew Soohyuk was always shameless and teasing, but it still took him by surprise every time.

He couldn’t quite get used to anything Soohyuk did, not when it felt so different from touching anyone else.

Jingyeom, feeling his own reactions were only encouraging Soohyuk, braced his hand to push Soohyuk’s face away—but it only came across as a weak shove.

He pressed a bit harder against Soohyuk’s nose, making Soohyuk chuckle and shudder.

“You call that trying?”

Soohyuk couldn’t help but laugh at the feeble effort, finding it endearing despite himself.

Gently, he peeled Jingyeom’s hand from his face and kissed his palm repeatedly.

Flustered, Jingyeom drew his hand into a tight fist, but Soohyuk pressed his lips to it again.

“Enough games now. Time for the movie.”

Jingyeom’s jaw dropped; Soohyuk had started this, and now he was acting like the responsible one.

Soohyuk shifted to the center of the couch and patted the seat beside him.

“Scoot over, or you might fall backward. Come here.”

After a slight hesitation, Jingyeom edged over, leaving just enough space for a third person.

Even as the movie resumed, Jingyeom found his focus drifting back to Soohyuk, sneaking glances only to see Soohyuk’s smirk twitching with every look, hinting he was well aware of it.

With Soohyuk no longer teasing him, Jingyeom started to relax and watch the movie—until…

‘Why am I lying down?’

The film had shifted from action to a romantic scene between the hero and heroine, unfolding more intensely than Jingyeom expected.

Caught off-guard, his gaze darted around before finally landing on Soohyuk’s face—just as their eyes met.

Awkwardly, Jingyeom tried to smile, but Soohyuk closed the distance between them, pressing Jingyeom back into the couch.

His vision was now filled with Soohyuk’s face.

“Uh… isn’t this a bit… close?”

“Perfectly ideal.”

Jingyeom blinked, at a loss for words, only realizing the romantic scene on screen had already ended.

“The movie, Soohyuk. Let’s watch the movie!”

“I am. You’re my movie.”

“Oh, come on, why are you like this?”

Despite his intention to pull away, Jingyeom squirmed helplessly under Soohyuk’s weight, Soohyuk finally muttering with mock frustration,

“I don’t know, Jingyeom. I really, really want to kiss you right now.”

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